Maintenance Matters

The Informative Newsletter of Alan Cox Automotive  

                                                  January, 2012

In This Issue
2012 Emission Inspection Information
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act
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Welcome to
Alan Cox Automotive

 

Our team is ready to assist you with your vehicle needs.

 

Nick Kocsis - Service Manager

Jonathan Hall - Parts Manager

Debi Patrick - Office Manager

Marshall Winkeljohn - Shop Foreman

Jeremy Bucy - Technician

Davin Esa - Technician

 

Let us know when we can be of service.     770-427-1745

Need Tires?
 
 Free Rotate and Balance for Life of Tires
High Speed Balancing
4 Wheel Alignment
Road Hazard & Tread Wear
Nitrogen
 
Call Jonathan for Pricing and Appointment
770-427-1745
Yokohama, Michelin, Toyo, Cooper, Bridgestone, Nitto, Kumho, Hankook

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Legal & Financial
Divorce Seminar and
Consultations
Saturday, January 21, 2012
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
includes one-on-one with both a legal and financial professional
 
Divorce Survival Weekend
February 11-12, 2012

Support groups available for men and women

For more information contact Visions Anew
  770-953-2882

2012 Honda Civic

 

Industry critics have stated the 2012 Civic is an unexciting replacement of the previous model. But, the new natural gas model, made in the U.S. is certainly worth attention, with availability in 35 states, as opposed to four states for the previous edition.

2012 Civic
2012 Honda Civic SI

 

The price of natural gas is about 30% lower than gasoline on a BTU-adjusted basis, and for those who want longer range than a pure electric and a cleaner burning fuel than gasoline, this could be attractive.  The price is about $3500 over the mid-20s price of a conventional Civic SI. 

 

 

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Alan Cox Automotive
1326 Cobb Parkway North
Marietta, GA  30062
770-427-1745
Fax 770-427-0786
Remember:  Maintenance cost less than repairs.  Maintenance can be scheduled.  Repairs and breakdowns never happen at a convenient time.
 
A well-maintained vehicle is a dependable vehicle.

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"Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude."   Unknown

 

 

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Greetings!

Wow, it is 2012. I sincerely hope you enjoyed the holidays. With the hustle and bustle behind us, it is time to look toward the new year.

Alan Cox Automotive is 29 years old this year. There are special offers in the monthly e-mails and on our website. Put the website in your favorites so you can visit often.
www.AlanCoxAutomotive.com


I hope you have a very prosperous New Year. Remember we are here for you. Let us know when we can be of assistance to you and your family.
Drive Safely,

Sherry RichardsonSherry
 
P.S. Remember to schedule a mini service prior to your next road trip.
 
P.P.S. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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     2012 Emission Inspection Information

 

Test Early:  Georgia's Clean Air Force (GCAF) recommends having your vehicle inspected four to six weeks prior to the registration renewal date every year (the vehicle owner's birthday).
 
Ongoing Maintenance:  Follow the recommended maintenance and tune-up schedule for your vehicle.
 
New Vehicle Exemptions:  The three most recent model years are exempt each year.  In 2012, all 2010 and newer model years vehicles are exempt from emission testing.

Which Vehicles need to be Tested:  In 2012, all 1988 - 2009 model year gasoline powered cars and light-duty trucks (8,500 pounds gross vehicle weight rating or less) registered in Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Paulding or Rockdale County.

Newly acquired vehicles, model years 1988-2009, in the 13 counties must have proof of passing inspection within the last 12 months and must be registered within 30 days (seven days if purchased from a non-registered dealer).
 
According to Georgia law, the seller must ensure the vehicle has a valid passing emission inspections at the time of sale if the vehicle will be registered in one of the 13 counties.

The cost of an emission inspection is between $10 and $25.  Stations must post the testing fee on their official GCAF (Georgia's Clean Air Force) sign.

Testing Tips for 1996-2009 model vehicles:  If your vehicle's battery was recently replaced or disconnected, or the computer reset, drive the vehicle for one to two weeks under normal conditions, including some highway driving, prior to having an on-board diagnostic (OBD) inspection or retest. 

If your vehicle's Check Engine light is on, it will not pass.  The cause may be as minor as a loose fuel cap or as major as an emission control system problem. Seek repairs prior to having an emissions test.

What if my vehicle fails:  Have your vehicle repaired to meet the required emission standards.  Your emission inspector will give you the Georgia Vehicle Emission Inspection Report (VIR), a blank Emission Repair Form, and a GCAF Q&A brochure, which details retest procedures.

Possible exceptions: Repair Waiver: Available if emission-related repairs happen to meet or exceed the Repair Waiver limit amount of $819.00 for 2012. Other qualifications based on vehicle model year may apply.

Federal law requires the catalytic converter and on-board computer for 1995 and newer vehicles to be warranted by the manufacturer for eight years or 80,000 miles.
You can obtain a free retest at the original station within 30 days of the initial inspection.
This information provided by Clean Air Force or call
800-449-2471 for more information.
 
Remember:  Alan Cox Automotive is not an Emission Inspection station.  However, we can make any necessary repairs in order for your vehicle to pass emissions.
Your Vehicle - Your Decision
Federal Trade Commission hears from Automotive Trade Associations - Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

 

Mazda North America Operations issued a press release bearing the headline "Use of aftermarket parts may jeopardize performance, safety and durability." According to the release, Mazda "recommends that all maintenance and collision repairs be performed using Genuine Mazda Parts in order to provide an optimum level of performance, safety and durability." 

 

If you think you have heard this before, it is because similar statements were made last year by American Honda Motor Co.  

 

2011 Accord
2011 Honda Accord

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a Consumer Alert.  The Alert spelled out a key provision of the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA): that it is illegal for manufacturers or dealers to claim a consumer's warranty is void or to deny warranty coverage simply because someone other than the dealer provided parts or service. The Alert also stated that an independent technician, a retail chain shop or even the vehicle owner can do routine maintenance and repairs on a vehicle without jeopardizing the new-car warranty.

 

Bottom line:  It is your vehicle. You decide where to have it serviced.

 

Thank you for your patronage. You are a valued customer.
 
Drive safely,

Sherry Richardson
Alan Cox Automotive
P.S. Remember: Refer a new customer and you both receive a Free mini service.  Have your friend tell Nick you referred them.

P.P.S.  Text ACA to 90210 to receive a text for your next oil change reminder and receive $5.00 off coupon.

Taste of Acworth 
 
Is your Coolant Protection Level ready for winter? Mention or print this coupon and
Receive a Free Coolant Protection Level Check.*

If the coolant protection level is not within specifications, a coolant change is $55.00.
           770-427-1745
 
Offer Expires: January 31, 2012                                        * Not valid with any other coupon